How to download Star Citizen
Via the RSI Launcher, step by step, with the size and SSD gotchas.
Star Citizen is not on Steam or Epic. You download it through the RSI Launcher, straight from Roberts Space Industries. Here is the whole process and the gotchas, in order.
Before you download
- You need a Game Package. The launcher installs the game, but you need a package on your account to play. Cheapest is the Citizen Starter Pack at $45, and signing up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR adds 50,000 UEC to your account.
- You need an SSD with room. Plan for around 100 GB to install and keep 150 GB+ free for patches. An SSD is required. Full requirements.
Step by step
- Create your RSI account and buy a package
Use the enlist link with STAR-JTV7-FXLR, then grab a $40+ Game Package.
- Get the RSI Launcher
On robertsspaceindustries.com, click DOWNLOAD near your account icon (top right) to download the launcher installer. Install it.
- Log in and pick LIVE
Open the RSI Launcher, sign in, and choose the LIVE build from the dropdown above the Launch button.
- Install, then launch
Click Install to download the game (this is the ~100 GB part, give it time and a wired connection if you can). When it finishes, click Launch.
Gotchas: install to an SSD (the launcher will not check your free space for you, so verify it yourself), use an NTFS-formatted drive, and leave headroom beyond the install size because patches are large. The default path is C:\Program Files\Roberts Space Industries\StarCitizen\LIVE.
How big is the download?
Roughly 100 GB to install in 2026, and it grows with each patch, so keep 150 GB+ free on your SSD. RSI does not publish an exact running figure because it changes every build. Plan for the headroom and you will not get caught out mid-patch.
Frequently asked questions
How do I download Star Citizen?
Through the RSI Launcher, not Steam or Epic. Create an RSI account and buy a Game Package, download the launcher from robertsspaceindustries.com (the DOWNLOAD button near your account icon), install it, log in, pick the LIVE build, and click Install.
How big is the Star Citizen download?
Around 100 GB to install in 2026, and it grows with patches, so keep 150 GB+ free on an SSD. RSI does not publish an exact figure because it changes each build.
Can I download Star Citizen for free?
You can download and play free during a Free Fly event. Otherwise you need a Game Package (cheapest is $45). Either way, sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR for the 50,000 UEC bonus.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
One click pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR into the RSI signup form. Finish the account, buy a $40 or larger Game Package, the bonus is yours.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR